Age UK Bolton has joined forces with social enterprise Squosh Social CIC to create a new furniture delivery scheme for older people being discharged from hospital.
The partnership will see Squosh Social collect and store mattresses that have been used for fire safety testing and would otherwise be thrown away, despite only having a small test mark.
The mattresses, along with matching bed bases and other household essentials, will then be delivered free of charge to people recovering at home after a hospital stay.
The initiative comes amid rising furniture poverty across the country, with charities reporting increased demand for basic household items over the past year.
Vicky Hitchen, Head of Health and Enterprises at Age UK Bolton, said the scheme would help remove a major barrier facing some patients ready to leave hospital.
She said: “Not having suitable beds at home has been a real barrier to hospital discharge for our Home From Hospital team in the past, causing delays and increasing risk.
“But now we have the partnership with Squosh Social in place, people on low incomes can quickly access the support they need and recover independently at home after a hospital stay.
“It’s a strong and practical solution which fills a gap in Bolton’s hospital discharge service.”
The initiative will also provide matching bed bases and free delivery to ensure vulnerable older people can return home safely after a stay in hospital.
Other essential household items, including sofas, chairs and white goods such as fridges, can also be delivered through the partnership.
Where needed, Squosh Social can also help with house clearances and furniture removals.
Eric McBean, co-founder of Squosh Social CIC, said the initiative would help tackle furniture poverty across Greater Manchester while reducing waste.
Vicky Hitchen, Head of Health and Enterprises at Age UK Bolton and Eric McBean, Founder of Squosh Compacting Company. (Image: Age UK)
He said: “This is another step in the right direction when it comes to decreasing furniture poverty in Greater Manchester.
“All the furniture we provide – including the beds going to Age UK Bolton – is high quality and will provide people with dignity and the fresh start they need.
“We’re providing a solution which focuses on people’s needs but is also sustainable and prevents hundreds of household furniture items from ending up in landfill.”
People wanting to make a referral to the scheme or donate unwanted furniture can contact Age UK Bolton via hfh@ageukbolton.org.uk.